PLEASE NOTE***The September General Membership Meetings have been changed due to the IAFF Fallen Firefighters Memorial in Colorado Springs to Tuesday, September 15th(1E)(EMS 1) and Wednesday, September 16th(2A)(EMS 2) at Local 2 located at 440 W. 43rd St. at 7:00pm, please mark your calendars.

The political stalemate that permeates Springfield continues. Governor Rauner and Speaker Madigan have yet to agree on much of anything. An end to this legislative logjam appears to be a long way down the road at this time.

We are consistently monitoring all legislation being introduced that will effect our membership and we will relay any additional information as soon as it becomes available.

If you are approaching Medicare age (65), make sure you and your spouse get any dental work or eyeglasses before the first day of the month in which you turn 65.

You become Medicare eligible the first day of the month of your 65th birthday. Once you become Medicare eligible you lose your dental and vision coverage, and the City will not pay those bills. If you have any questions, call Rich Ternes at the Union Office, 773-536-0450x310.

The Local 2 Employee Assistance Department (EAP) now has a confidential direct line: 773-358-3473

The uniformed members active and retired friends of Bill W are invited to the "What about us?" meeting every Monday evening at 7:30 p.m at the Union Office located at 440 W. 43rd St., enter through the front door.

Prior to the Civil War, the volunteer fire company was a private service in most American cities. The early "fire society" or "fire brigade" was an association of local citizens banded together for the purpose of protecting community lives and property. In 1831 the Illinois Legislature required any incorporated city or town to have a volunteer department. Chicago's first volunteer company was organized in 1835.

Firefighting soon became an established municipal service manned by a paid ful-time work crew. But this new organization also depended upon the generosity of local politicians for jobs, salaries, and working conditions. A civil service system did not exist. Firefighters were often dismissed when a new political boss gained control of the city. Firefighting jobs were treated as political gifts and men were not always hired for their skills, but for their political contributions at election time.

Like other labor groups, Firefighters contested with management over wages, hours and conditions. But because of their unique status and the community's dependence upon them, their opportunities to press for change were often severely constricted.

Install and Maintain Smoke DetectorsSmoke detectors warn you of fire in time to let you escape. Install them on each level of your home and outside of each sleeping area. Follow the manufacturer's directions, and test once a week. Replace batteries twice a year, or when the detector chirps to signal that the battery is dead. Don't ever take the battery out for other uses!

Plan and Practice Your escapeIf fire breaks out in your home, you must get out fast. With your family, plan two ways out of every room. Fire escape routes must not include elevators, which might take you right to the fire! Choose a meeting place outside where everyone should gather. Once you are out, stay out! Have the whole family practice the escape plan at least twice a year.

Space Heaters Need spaceKeep portable space heaters at least 3 feet (1 meter) from paper, curtains, furniture, clothing, bedding, or anything else that can burn. Never leave heaters on when you leave home or go to bed, and keep children and pets well away from them.